Historic Tiara Heads to Auction
The iconic Aztec tiara, a symbol of Miss World pageantry for nearly two decades, is set to be auctioned at Olympia London. The tiara, originally created for the 1959 Miss World competition, was worn by winners from 1959 to 1976. It is expected to fetch between £30,000 and £50,000, according to auctioneers.
Design and Provenance
Crafted in 18-carat gold and set with over 1,000 diamonds, the tiara features a distinctive Aztec-inspired design. It was commissioned by Eric Morley, the founder of the Miss World pageant. The tiara was last worn by Cindy Breakspeare, Miss World 1976, before being retired. Since then, it has been held in a private collection.
Chris Albury, a specialist at the auction house, said: “This tiara is not just a piece of jewellery; it is a piece of social history. It represents an era when Miss World was a global phenomenon, watched by hundreds of millions.”
Auction Details
The auction will take place on 15 July at Olympia London, part of a larger sale of pageant memorabilia. Other items include gowns worn by former winners and historical photographs. The tiara has been valued at £40,000-£50,000, but interest is expected to drive the final price higher.
Legacy of the Tiara
The tiara was originally a gift from the Mexican government to the Miss World organization, symbolizing the pageant’s international reach. It was later modified to include additional diamonds. The sale has sparked debate among pageant historians, with some lamenting the loss of a cultural artifact. However, the current owner, a private collector, decided to sell to fund charitable projects.
